Rapids Soccer Camps in Full Swing!

COMMERCE CITY CO - It's Spring and the Rapids Academy is in full gear running the club's 2008 soccer camps which are run by the Rapids' coaches and players!

(For detailed descriptions on each camp of the 2008 Rapids Academy and to register online CLICK HERE.)

These camps are an opportunity to meet and learn from the professionals and get an edge on the competition for the 2008 season. Every child receives one-on-one attention from the Rapids coaches and players to help enhance their soccer skills.

The Rapids Academy was created by Rapids Assistant Coach &amp; Youth Director John Murphy and the camps are run by Rapids coaches and players. Last year over 1000 kids participated in the Rapids Academy.

"Our organization takes a great deal of pride in offering the very best in soccer training to individuals not only from the Rocky Mountain region but throughout the U.S. With programs that are run on-site and exclusively by our professional coaches and players it is a learning environment unlike any of its kind nationwide."

There are six camps for boys and girls ages 5-18 to sign up for in 2008 including two new camps: the Rapids' Development Camp Goalkeeper Camp Kickin’ Kids Camp Overnight Mini Camp Striker Camp and Team Camp and a seventh the Summit Select which is an invitation only camp. For a truly unique experience the Rapids Academy will also be hosting a Parents' Camp this year to involve adults as well.

In the Rapids Development Camp kids are grouped by age and ability with the emphasis on individual development. Interaction and coaching instruction by Rapids coaches and players increases learning by giving each individual the very best examples of what it takes to be a quality soccer player dependable teammate and good citizen. Following the Developmental Camp an all-star team will be chosen based on camper’s performances and will culminate in games played in Dick’s Sporting Goods Park before a Rapids match.

The Rapids Goalkeeper Camp uses a training format created by Murphy that has brought out the best in professional goalkeepers in MLS and internationally. This eight-hour course led by Rapids goalkeepers is the perfect system for goalkeepers who want to train and improve their skills in preparation for the upcoming fall season.

Rapids Kickin’ Kids Camp is an introductory program focusing on soccer and fun. The emphasis is for all participants to enjoy the game and each other in a pressure free environment where they play soccer games and activities.

For the second straight year the Rapids will be hosting a Team Camp that provides a unique opportunity for high school boys' teams to train and play together before the upcoming high school season. College coaches from the area and outside the region will be invited to use this camp as a recruiting opportunity giving participants the chance to perform and show off their abilities to play at the next level. Sessions are complemented by small-sided games and 11-a-side matches each evening. A round robin tournament format will be held with the two finalists playing the championship game before a Rapids match.

For the first time the Rapids Academy will be offering an Overnight Mini Camp. Boys ages 15-17 from around the country will receive 15 hours of instruction from Rapids coaches and players. Specialized training sessions and small sided games will complement classroom chalk talks that will address topics such as the growing the pro game as well as the college recruiting process.

The Rapids Striker Camp aims its focus on the most important part of the game: creating chances and scoring goals. This camp for boys and girls ages 8-14 is not just for forwards. Striker camp is for any player who wants to improve their attacking skills.

The Summit Select training program is an invitation only supplemental program to identify and further develop talented and motivated youth players. The fall and spring programs are designed for instruction within small-sided and group games and exercises run by the Rapids Youth Technical Staff. Invitations based on evaluation from the 2008 Development Camp are valid for both the fall 2008 and the spring 2009 programs.

A special addition to the Rapids Academy for 2008 is the Parents' Camp. These three-hour sessions for a parent and child with Rapids coaches and players will be held prior to a Rapids match. Both the Mother’s Day Camp and the Father’s Day Camp will include two tickets for the Rapids home game that evening of the camp.

Season passes and team and family discounts are available. For more information or to register for the Rapids Academy fans can CLICK HERE or contact the Rapids Youth Technical Staff at 303-727-3575.